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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (Kepkas) has strengthened firm and comprehensive measures to address critical issues in the tourism industry in Semporna through the implementation of a special task force.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Semporna is being used as a reference model for restructuring the tourism industry across Sabah, particularly in licensing compliance, tourist safety and infrastructure improvements.

He said of the 190 tourism premises identified, only 46 hold valid licences, prompting a three-month compliance period from January to March 2026 before integrated enforcement operations are carried out without compromise.

He added that Kepkas has published the list of 46 licensed premises on its official website to improve transparency and boost tourist confidence, while only three jetties – Bangau-Bangau, Seafest and Kapalai Resort – are permitted for tourism operations, with illegal jetties subject to strict action including demolition.

He said enforcement will also be intensified against unlicensed boat crews and high-risk tourism activities such as diving at Sipadan Island, alongside measures to address social issues in water villages and curb the sale of protected wildlife to tourists.